Mozart's 'The Marriage Of Figaro' was based on Beaumarchais' politically radical play - the second of the trilogy which begun with 'The Barber Of Seville' - later of course adapted into an opera by Rossini. As in 'Il Barbiere di Siviglia', 'The Marriage of Figaro' depicted the aristocracy as buffoons controlled and outwitted by their cunning servants. This time Figaro and Susanna are due to wed but must first outwit the Count, who is determined to exercise a master's ancient right to deflower the bride of his servant.

This is the Schirmer edition of the libretto in the original Italian with an English translation by Ruth and Thomas Martin.